Do you constantly feel fatigued during the day despite getting the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep? Do you snore loudly or wake up gasping for air during the night? You may be one of the 22 million Americans affected by sleep apnea. The good news is that dental treatment can help manage this condition and improve your overall quality of life.
Sleep apnea is a serious and potentially life-threatening sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. It can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues. Traditionally, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is used to treat sleep apnea, which involves wearing a mask over the nose and mouth while sleeping to keep the airway open. 
However, many patients find this therapy to be uncomfortable and inconvenient.
Fortunately, dental treatment can offer an effective and more comfortable alternative for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea. One common dental treatment is a custom-fit oral appliance, which is worn like a mouthguard while sleeping. The appliance helps to reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open and reduce snoring.
Another dental treatment for sleep apnea is maxillomandibular advancement (MMA), which is a surgical procedure that involves moving the upper and lower jaws forward to increase the size of the airway. This treatment is typically reserved for patients with severe sleep apnea who have not responded well to other therapies.
Clinical studies have shown that oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment option for reducing symptoms of sleep apnea, including snoring, daytime sleepiness, and fatigue. In addition, it can also improve the overall quality of life for both the patient and their bed partner.
If you suspect that you may have sleep apnea, it’s important to seek diagnosis and treatment from a healthcare professional. If dental treatment is an appropriate option for you, your dentist can work with you to create a custom-fit oral appliance or refer you to an oral surgeon for MMA. With proper care and maintenance, dental treatment can help manage your sleep apnea and lead to a better night’s sleep. Don’t let sleep apnea disrupt your life – consult with your dentist to see if dental treatment is right for you.
Dr. Montz, Dr. Maher, or Dr. Dunwody at Houston Sleep Solutions South will be able to help you determine if sleep apnea treatment is right for you. Contact us now.
Locations (Tap to open in Google Maps):
2443 S Galveston Ave
Pearland, Texas 77581
Pearland Phone: 281-485-48291769 S. Friendswood Dr. Ste 107
Friendswood, TX 77546
Friendswood Phone: 713-565-1178
